Nanotechnology Application in the Development of Fonio Husk Ash and Calcium Carbide Waste Based-Binder Mortar

Abstract

One of the measures taking during COVID-19 Pandemic was to avoid crowded places like markets, places of worships and others. The living environment of many of the low-income group of the Society is generally noted for been crowdy, un-hygienic and hence are avenue for ease spread of diseases during epidemic/pandemic. This therefore necessitate further research works towards sustainable low-cost houses using eco-friendly binders. This is coupled with the challenge of high carbon – dioxide (CO2) emission, energy consumption and environmental degradation associated with Portland cement (PC) production. Recent efforts at the utilization of Agricultural wastes (rice husk ash (RHA); millet husk ash (MHA); sorghum husk ash (SHA), etc.) in combination with calcium carbide waste (CCW) for green concrete development gave reports of slow hydration and strength development. Hence the need for developing methods of improving the performance of the eco-friendly binders for which this study is one. This research examines the combination of FHA and CCW (agro - industrial wastes) with the incorporation of nanotechnology for improved hydration and strength enhancement. The study adopted a qualitative approach where Fonio husk obtained from Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State was incinerated using the locally fabricated incinerator in the Concrete Laboratory of the Department of Building, Federal University of Technology, Minna. Calcium Carbide waste obtained from Auto-mechanic village in Keteren Gwari area of Minna was oven-dried and calcined too and then pulverised. The FHA and CCW samples were analysed using an X-ray florescent machine to ascertain their chemical composition and further subjected to cement - based tests (i.e., setting time, consistency, soundness and strength tests). Trial combinations of FHA/CCW at 55/45, 50/50 and 45/55 was used as alternative binder in mortar mixes with the cast mortar cubes cured and crushed for compressive strength at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. Data presented using tables were analysed for an informed conclusion on the performance of FHA/CCW binder – based mortar.